Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has applauded the outgoing Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government of the State, Hon. Louis Ndukwe, for executing landmark projects for the benefit of the People of the area, despite paucity of funds.
The Governor gave the commendation at Okpanam on Monday, 4th January, 2021, while commissioning the Oshimili North Ultra Modern Market, executed by the Oshimili North Local Government Council, in partnership with Candour Capital Limited.
Governor Okowa, represented by his Special Adviser on Local Government Affairs, Prince Kelly Penawou, had earlier commissioned the Ukala Market Lockup and open Shops at Ukala-Okpunor and the Oshimili North Local Government Legislative Building inside the premises of the Oshimili North Local Government Council at Akwukwu-Igbo, the administrative headquarters of the Local Government Area.
Okowa noted that the Council Chairman was able to execute such projects for the people, despite scarcity of funds facing the Local Government councils, because he decided to be innovative, resourceful and proactive with a view to succeeding.
“Hon. Ndukwe has finished strong, he has done very well. I was at Ukala where lockup shops and stalls built by his administration were commissioned. I was also this afternoon at the Oshimili North Local Government Council at Akwukwu-Igbo where the Legislative Building also constructed by his administration was commissioned.
“Also this massive mega structure here, the Oshimili North Ultra Modern Market, is being commissioned today for the benefit of the people. I think the Council Chairman has done very very well and I sincerely applaud him for that.
“I want to thank God for giving him the initiative to do what he has done and to tell the people of Oshimili North to make good use of the projects because these projects are for you,” the Governor stated.
In his address, the outgoing Council boss, Hon. Louis Ndukwe expressed his heartfelt joy for the execution and inauguration of the projects for the benefit of the people of the area, saying that it was made possible through the instrumentality of the Lord God Almighty as well as the people around him.
“I feel much fulfilled, humbly fulfilled because if it were not for God and for the good spirited people around me, I would never have succeeded in getting all this done. Especially, I must appreciate Candour Capital Limited for giving us the ear.”
Ndukwe noted that the Oshimili North Ultra Modern Market, Okpanam, comprises 300 lock-up shops, a banking hall, about 126 open market stalls, a motor park and borehole as well as toilet facilities.
“We hope that when in optimal operation, traders from Agbor, Warri, Sapele, Ughelli, Benin and even Okene in Kogi State, may not need to travel to Onitsha for their purchases. Infact, merchants in Onitsha, that have approached us and have actually paid for shops here, have indicated their willingness to relocate to this market. Besides, when the motor park comes into full swing, our people will no longer go to Onitsha headbridge to catch buses for their journeys.
“Needless to say that the spike in economic activities in Okpanam and environs will be unquantifiable and the Council will be all the better for it financially,” the Council boss said.
On the Legislative Building, Hon. Ndukwe said that the structure houses a spacious legislative chamber, separate offices for all Councillors and Clerk of the House, as well as staff in that unit.
“It also has two large canteens; VIP and general Canteens, and all other facilities which you could expect in a building of this magnitude. It is hoped that the edifice when put into full use, will drastically reduced the problem of dearth of Office spaces for staff of the Council.”
Ndukwe also stated that the need to revamp the economic lives of the people of Ukala-Okpunor necessitated the reconstruction of the Ukala Market, noting that before his coming, buyers stayed away from the Market because there were no lock-up stalls to keep their wares before conveying them to the urban areas the following day, since buying and selling takes place during the twilight of the Market day.
The event which was attended by officials of the outgoing administration in the Local Government Council, also witnessed the showcasing of 9 security buses donated to the various communities in the area by the Ndukwe led administration.
Chief Nduka Ogwude, Chairman Peoples Democratic party, PDP, Oshimili North, led political leaders including the PDP Woman leader in the area, Mrs Kate Mogekwu who mobilized PDP women leaders in the various wards in the area to the event.
